The production of Renascence managed to do something few shows do; it brought me to my feet for a standing ovation. The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) not only begins its 2026 program with an Australian premiere, but for the first time presents a small cast musical to the public.
Under the direction of Katt Osborne, the cast of six musical theatre students, Luke Barker, Hamish Stewart, Harry Ortuso, Alice Williams, Tabitha Kerlin and Sarah Watson, deliver a moving and poignant production of Renascence.
This award winning musical follows the early years of the radical, Pulitzer Prize winning poet Edna St. Vincent Millay. Using the artist’s poetry as lyrics, Renascence centres around the profoundly powerful poem written by Millay at the age of twenty. The musical recalls the events in her life that help shape her as a poet, from her humble rural beginnings to a wildly bohemian, celebrity lifestyle.
The score by Carmel Dean is profound, and the orchestra, under the musical direction of Joe Louis Robinson, executes the numbers with emotional depth and playful flirtation.
Sarah Watson as Vincent has a lovely, melodic and powerful voice as she brings to life the depth and emotion of her character. Luke Barker as the editor assumes a charm that connects instantly with the audience, and in his various other roles, he presents them with a clever, exaggerated humour.
Harry Ortuso displays a powerful vocal range as Vincent’s sister, Kathleen, while Alice Williams as Mother and Tabitha Kerlin as the characters Norma and Elaine Rafferty deliver exquisite and powerful performances.
Hamish Stewart possesses a certain je ne sais quoi quality that kept the audience in the palm of his hand. His rendition of The Ballad of the Heart Weaver is an emotional, soul reaching moment in the production.
Barker and Stewart, as the two Katherines (one with a ‘K’, the other with a ‘C’), Millay’s friends at Vassar College, bounce off each other with perfect comedic timing and wit.
All cast members possess powerful voices and complement each other beautifully. Each shine during their solos, exuding sensitivity and overwhelming sentiment.
The set by Tenielle Harris is simple yet grand. Filling the large performance space, it adds to the production’s sense of scale. The fabric and falling snow in the finale assist in building to a visually and powerfully stunning climax, as the cast perform Millay’s profoundly formidable poem, Renascence.
It is the final number that carries the production into its dramatic ending as the full weight of Millay’s emotions are realised in a poignant and powerful finale. The subtle beauty of the poetry and music blends seamlessly to produce a heartfelt and emotive piece of theatre.
Renascence
Studio Underground – State Theatre Centre of WA, 176 William Street, Perth
Performance: Friday 27 March 2026
Season continues to 1 April 2026
Information and Bookings: www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au
Images: The Cast of Renascence – photos by Stephen Heath
Review: Craig Dalglish